The Bahri-Abha: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On December 10, 2019, anti-war advocates gathered in Sagunto, Valencia, to voice their opposition to the arrival of the cargo ship 'Bahri Abha'. Organized by the Spanish Control Arms campaign, the protest highlighted concerns over the vessel allegedly transporting weapons from North America to Yemen. Demonstrators urged the Spanish government to prevent the ship from loading arms that could potentially be used by the Saudi government in its ongoing conflict in Yemen. Following the rally, the 'Bahri Abha' departed Sagunto, reportedly en route to Genoa. Human rights organization Amnesty International noted that the ship had made several stops along the east coast of the United States before altering its course to Sagunto on November 26. Although it remains unconfirmed if the ship is carrying armaments during this voyage, its recent cargo history has raised suspicions. Amnesty International, alongside groups such as FundiPau, Greenpeace, and Oxfam Intermón, had previously notified the Spanish authorities in hopes of blocking the ship's entry into Spanish waters. This protest follows a similar incident involving the 'Bahri Yanbu', another cargo ship linked to arms transport, which faced backlash at the Genoa port earlier in May, as well as at Le Havre in France and in Santander, Spain. For visuals from the protest, visit https://www.newsclick.in/peace-activists-protest-docking-saudi-ship-spains-sagunto-port.

Saudi Arabia's leading maritime company, Bahri, has successfully secured a charter contract for six of its roll-on/roll-off (roro) vessels, which were ordered from a shipyard in Korea. These ships, each with a deadweight tonnage of 26,000 dwt, are slated for military transport operations over the course of a year, commencing at the end of 2024. The contract, announced via the Saudi Stock Exchange, boasts a total value of $102 million. So far, Bahri has received delivery of four of the six roro vessels, which were constructed at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. This latest development highlights Bahri's commitment to enhancing its fleet capabilities for strategic operations.